Virgin has announced ahead of Microsoft’s E3 press conference it has partnered with the firm for Xbox Live Tournaments.

The new feature is for Gold subscribers, and will launch sometime this year. Skill-based events were mentioned, with both free and paid-entry tournaments planned with “leading publishers.”

“The launch of the Xbox LIVE Tournament service, powered by Virgin Gaming will bring a wide variety of competitive and casual tournament options to Xbox LIVE subscribers,” said Xbox Live general manager Alex Garden.

“Our goal is to deliver a play experience that makes tournaments fun and accessible, in a way that resonates with both the core and casual Xbox gamer, and we’ve found a partner that shares that same vision.”